Bears Win NIT Opener

Missouri State felt snubbed after being left out of the NCAA Tournament. Last night, the Bears looked like a team with something to prove. Missouri State ran out to a 35-14 lead and held on for a 76-67 win over Stanford in the first round of the NIT. Deke Thompson and Blake Ahearn led the Bears with 19 points each. They were the only Missouri State players to finish in double figures. The Bears (21-8) will host Houston in a second-round game on Monday night. Game time is 7:05 at Hammons Student Center.